NATO Baltic Air Policing Jets Shoot Down Drone in Latvian Airspace
Latvian authorities attributed the incursion to Russian electromagnetic warfare.
EUROPE — The National Armed Forces of Latvia (NBS) issued an orange-level air threat alert on June 8 after a foreign UAV entered Latvian airspace. Latvian authorities attributed the incursion to Russian electromagnetic warfare.
NATO Baltic Air Policing fighters (French Rafales from Šiauliai Air Base) were activated. The drone was shot down over an uninhabited area around 10:05 local time. The possible air threat ended and was lifted in all regions by 10:20 local time. No injuries or damage reported, and fragment search is ongoing.
The alert was part of a response to a drone that Latvian authorities attributed to Russian electromagnetic warfare activities. NATO Baltic Air Policing fighters were activated, and the drone was then shot down.
Assessment: Intercepts by allied fighters under Baltic Air Policing have proven capable of addressing diverted drone threats in Latvian airspace. Sustained Russian EW activity creates a persistent risk of additional incursions. Latvian and NATO forces have demonstrated public warning and rapid response, reducing potential for ground impact in this instance.
Air Threat Alert and Intercept
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